Lawmakers To Review Food Stamp Changes

Some Kansas legislators want to review a
policy from Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration that has reduced or
denied food stamp benefits to hundreds of U.S.-born children of
illegal immigrants.
The lawmakers said Wednesday they worry that the state is
punishing children, rather than illegal immigrants.
Brownback spokeswoman Sherriene (SHUH’-reen) Jones-Sontag said
the governor has asked the Department of Social and Rehabilitation
Services to update him on the policy, which took effect Oct. 1. But
she said he’s not looking to change it.
SRS changed how household incomes are calculated for eligibility
purposes. Spokeswoman Angela de Rocha (ROH’-chuh) said previous SRS
policy led to more generous benefits to families if one or more
members were illegal immigrants.
Several lawmakers said they believe SRS can find a more creative
solution.